I own an original '88 240 DL (322K miles). I've had the oil changed religioiusly every 3K miles by the nearby Express Lube. After noticing a fresh leak, a Volvo mechanic explained that the oil pan threads had been stripped. He argues that there's no reasonable inexpensive solution and that he'd need to pull the engine to replace the pan. He estimates labor alone to be 6+ hours!

Does this sound reasonable? Are there less costly alternatives? Thoughts, anybody? I have to wonder if a $600-$700+ oil pan repair makes much sense given the remaining life expectancy of the automobile (rust, other failing parts, etc.). Meanwhile, the mechanic has temporarily sealed the oil pan nut, but I'm fast-approaching another oil change.

Melvin